Intra-abdominal Surgical Robot

We have proposed an innovative approach in robotic surgery based on magnetic actuation. In this approach, a miniaturised robotic manipulator deployed through a single small incision inside the abdomen without a rigid link connection to the outside practised in current robotic surgical platforms such as the DaVinci by Intuitive Surgical. Then, it is actuated by transferring a controlled mechanical power across abdominal wall using magnetic linkage. This provides the freedom for the placement of the internal device within all quadrants of the abdominal cavity without requiring any extra incision and compromising manipulation dexterity and manoeuvrability of surgical instruments. Using a small single incision also leads to less wound complications, less postoperative pain, shorter recovery period, better cosmetics, and earlier return to employment and daily activities.

This intra-abdominal surgical robot will bring about a breakthrough in the way laparoscopic robotic surgery is carried out through providing higher level of manoeuvrability and manipulation dexterity in laparoscopic robotic surgery which enables performing operations of higher complexity with minimum surgical trauma.